weather

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The run of unusual weather continued in Tennessee this past month.

Memphis was dry in July while rainfall in the Tri-Cities set an all-time record. The mid-state almost caught up on annual rainfall.

National Weather Service meteorologist Danny Gant says a stubborn high pressure ridge has taken up residence over western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. It blocks storm systems from moving into the Mississippi Valley. The farther away from the ridge, the better chances of rain.

TOWNSEND, Tenn. (AP) — At least two people have been killed as a violent thunderstorm struck the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Park spokeswoman Melissa Cobern says a man on a motorcycle was killed as was a 41-year-old woman who was struck by a falling tree. The names of the victims were withheld while their family members were told.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) The National Weather Service says the heat wave Middle Tennessee is enduring has broken high temperature records dating back to the 1870s.

The Weather Service office in Nashville says a temperature of 109 degrees was recorded at the airport on Friday afternoon, a new all-time record. Murfreesboro also set a new record, hitting an all-time high of 108 degrees.

Lead forecaster Sam Shamburger says we’re going to see some change in the weather this week.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn (WMOT) -- Warm weather is always welcome as Tennesseans head out-of-doors to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend, but the Weather Service says the state may mark the traditional beginning of summer with record heat.

Nashville office Weather Service Meteorologist Sam Herron says there’s a good chance some hundred year-old high temperature records may fall in the next few days. He says Tennessee is seeing a summertime weather pattern nearly a month before summer actually begins.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — No deaths were reported in Tennessee after a series of strong storms pushed through the state Friday afternoon and evening. Three counties reported injuries and several reported light to moderate damage.

The Associated Press reported that six to eight people were hospitalized in Chattanooga and at least 20 homes destroyed after a possible tornado swept through the area early in the afternoon.